We're incredibly honored to share news about a valued member of the food bank family. Barbara is priceless to our mission of fighting hunger and feeding hope and we're blessed to know her. Congratulations Barbara and thank you a thousand times over for all you do!

This release was distributed and written by the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer team.

Barbara Miller: Food Bank Volunteer An Inspiring Mentor

Barbara Miller is the July 2013 recipient of the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award. Miller was nominated by Food Bank of the Rockies, where she has volunteered more than 6,000 hours over the past 18 years. Following her retirement from an accounting firm, Miller has worked in a variety of positions at Food Bank of the Rockies. In 2010, Miller broke her hip, but soon returned to the Food Bank and switched to a volunteer role in the finance office.

Miller is also a regular volunteer at University Hospital, where she works as a hospital ambassador in the emergency room waiting area. Her job is to attend the Sunshine Cart and to be a good listener for people whose loved ones are in the midst of a medical crisis. Her pleasant, upbeat attitude is credited for helping soothe patients and their families.

Miller, 82, is also praised for her sense of humor. She says that her volunteer commitments, “…keep me off the streets.”

“Barbara Miller’s tenacity and dedication inspires us all, particular the new volunteers who meet her and learn from her,” said Jackie Norris, chair of the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Committee. “The positive energy Barbara brings to her work is contagious.”

Miller received the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award on July 25, 2013 at a ceremony held in her honor at the Denver Marriott Tech Center Hotel. She designated the $2,000 monetary gift that accompanies the Award to Food Bank of the Rockies.

In its 37th year, the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Committee recognizes outstanding volunteers monthly 11 times a year. Recipients may designate a $2,000 monetary award to the organization of their choice. As of July 2013, the Committee has recognized 426 outstanding volunteers and donated $754,000 to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations chosen by award recipients. From 1967 to 1983, Minoru Yasui served as executive director of the Denver Commission on Community Relations, which launched the Community Volunteer Award in 1976, and named it in honor of Mr. Yasui in 1977. More information: minyasui.org

Check out what this 17 year old is doing to make a difference. She's featured through President Obama and Young Americans. Pretty cool! Remarkable kids like her are proving that kids can make a powerful impact on society.

Joe and Debbie Sakic are making plans for their 16th Annual Bringing Hope to the Table Celebration, benefiting the children's programs through Food Bank of the Rockies. They'd love nothing more than to see you and your colleagues, friends and family at this awesome event. The high end silent and live auction will offer items ranging from Ellen tickets to fairy tale birthday parties to overnights and dinner certificates in Cherry Creek. This year we welcome comedian Jon Reep to the stage, who is bound to have the audience in tears. Jake Schroeder and Hazel Miller will also be entertaining guest during dinner with their musical genius. Our guests continue to join us at this fun filled charity event year after year. We hope to see you there on August 23!

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GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!! Join us at Dick's Sporting Goods Park as we light up the sky at the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club 4th of July game. Tickets are $35 (save $10/ticket when you purchase 4 or more) and includes pizza, soda and fireworks, following the game. Follow the link to purchase tickets.